Eurovision showcases 4K Biathlon

Various Eurovision units have followed up a successful 4K test from Kitzbühel, Austria a few weeks ago by setting up a similar showcase at the recent 2016 IBU Biathlon World Championships in Oslo –Holmenkollen.

4K cameras were placed at the venue in order to produce Ultra High Definition resolution content (clips) featuring sharp and crisp images of the sport, devoted supporters and magnificent landscape.

In cooperation with IBU, these clips were shown on UHDTV screens on site, in the VIP areas and in the Press Centre allowing Biathlon guests and media representatives to appreciate the lifelike images.

This showcase is one of multiple UHDTV projects on the Eurovision roadmap. Previous tests were conducted at the European Athletics 2014 in Zurich and at the Eurovision Young Dancers contest in 2013. Eurovision has been organising the international distribution of premium sporting events in 4K since the 2014 FIFA World Cup and, this summer, a total of eight games at the Euro 2016 football championships in France will be distributed in 4K.

“The extra resolution of UHDTV images adds more detail, more depth and more colour resolution to the picture resulting in images that look incredibly lifelike,” said Stefan Kuerten, Director of Eurovision Services & Sports Rights.

“We are always seeking the best quality possible for our broadcasters and their viewers and if UHDTV means more like looking through a window than watching TV then we feel like we have achieved our goal.”

“All in all, the current Eurovision Biathlon team consists of more than 20 different experts concentrating on making the viewer experience unique and memorable. For us, UHDTV production showcase is only a natural step in that direction,” noted Ingolfur Hannesson, Head of Eurovision Winter Sports.